Resident of Oakville, Ontario, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's, passed away peacefully at the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. He was born and raised in Pamplona, Colombia, South America, the son of Manuel Maria Valdivieso and Tulia Guerrero. Predeceased by his brothers, Carlos, Jorge, Eduardo and his sister, Maria Teresa. Survived by his brother Manuel and sister Luisa Elena. Beloved husband of Mary Nougues for over 58 years. Their love affair endured the true meaning of "for better or for worse". Their marriage and love was an inspiration to all of those who knew them. Hernando will forever be remembered by his devoted and beloved children Maria Patricia Florez, Martha Julyana Colangelo (Gerry) and Carlos Hernando Valdivieso (Carolina). "Grandpa", as he was affectionally known, will never be forgotten by his treasured grandchildren Angela Patricia, Maria Constanza and Luis Hernando Florez and Julyana Margarita and Patrick Daniel Colangelo; he will also be remembered by his great-grandchildren Victoria Patricia Cooper, Leo Couto and Isabella Chloe Sijka, along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know him. "Grandpa" was truly the life of the party at every family function. He loved life and laughter, was a great story teller and loved dancing and playing soccer. He touched the lives of many people with his infectious smile, laugh and generosity; he maintained his zest for life and determination to never give up all the way to the end. His strong faith in God guided him through many difficult times and never failed him. His legacy of resiliency, hard work, honesty to a fault and strong determination when faced with difficulties will live on through his children, grandchildren and generations to come. Hernando was educated in Colombia and Costa Rica and was a dentist by profession. His work with the less fortunate and destitute was the stuff that movies are made of. He believed in the "pay it forward" mentality and because of this his family continues to be blessed every day. Visitation was held at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville on Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9. A Service will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 231 Morden Road, Oakville at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2009 followed by a reception at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be sent to the Red Cross Halton, Meals on Wheels Oakville, Halton Healthcare Services or the Alzheimer's Society. A very special thank you to the wonderful staff at 3 Cedar at Post Inn Village, his home for the last 2 years. Also, to the caring staff on 1 East at the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and to Dr. Bremermann for their compassion and support during dad's last days. You helped us make a very difficult time bearable and allowed us to grieve in dignity. May God bless you all.